Hello Arsi


Hello Arsi is a 2018 Indian Odia romantic drama film written and directed by Sambit Mohanty, and produced by Ajaya Routray. The film stars Prakruti Mishra and Partha Sarathi Ray. The film background score was composed by sound designer Subash Sahu, and its soundtrack was composed by Mitrabhanu Mohanty. Critics praised the screenplay, story, and the acting of lead actress Prakruti Mishra. Director Sambit Mohanty, who died shortly after filming, posthumously won a Rajat Kamal award for Best Screenplay.
At the 65th National Film Awards, the film won Best Feature Film in Odia, Best Screenplay, and Special Mention awards.

Plot

The film tells the story of a girl named Arsi from Rourkela, Odisha, India, who becomes a sex worker to survive. It explores topics of social alienation and industrialization, focusing more on ideas and actions rather than the characters.
The film begins and ends in a car. The male protagonist remains unnamed for the duration of the film.

Cast

The film was shot in Rourkela and the shooting for the film was completed in November 2016. After Sambit Mohanty died due to brain stroke, the Film and Television Institute of India helped complete the film. The film is based on human displacement.

Reception

The film was appreciated by then Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, and actor Bijay Mohanty.

Awards

YearAwardCategoryRecipientResultRef
201865th National Film AwardsBest Feature Odia FilmSambit MohantyWon
201865th National Film AwardsBest ScreenplaySambit MohantyWon
201865th National Film AwardsSpecial Mention Prakruti MishraWon
201929th Odisha State Film AwardsBest FilmHello ArsiWon
201929th Odisha State Film AwardsBest DirectorSambit MohantyWon
201929th Odisha State Film AwardsBest Dialogue WriterSambit MohantyWon
201929th Odisha State Film AwardsBest ActorPartha Sarathi RayWon

Impact

The film was considered to be a significant film in the careers of Prakruti Mishra and Partha Sarathi Ray.